Oncologist Questions Lung Cancer

Why does lung cancer develop in non-smokers?

I'm not a smoker, but I was diagnosed with second-stage lung cancer recently and I'm currently being treated with radiation therapy. I do have a family history of lung cancer, but I was always careful staying away from potential triggers like second-hand smoking. What causes lung cancer to develop in non-smokers?

2 Answers

Hello. You are asking questions that have even investigated by researchers for many years...what causes lung cancer in non-smokers. There is a great website published by the American Cancer Society (cancer.org). Search on “What causes lung cancer?”

Most lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking or exposure to second hand smoke. these amount to about 80 percent of lung cancers. Other exposures have been associated with a higher incidence of lung cancer. These include exposure to radon (radiation), air pollution or “other” factors which are unknown at present. Rarely there are inherited genetic changes that are associated with lung cancers. Genetic evaluation is recommended. These changes usually occur in younger individuals.

The lungs are one of the organ systems that are most commonly the site of metastases from cancers of other organs. I am presuming that your oncologist has performed the necessary tests to rule out the lungs as a site of metastasis.

Good luck with your treatment.
There are multiple types of Lung Cancer with multiple causes. It could be that your family carries a genetic code that causes the development of Lung cancer without an obvious recognized cause.